Coleco ADAM help.

[simbalion]

As some of you may know from my post in the computer section, I finally managed to piece together a complete, working ADAM computer. I actually have another working memory console, but it started to have distorted sound. Is this a chip issue, or something out of adjustment? Also, what are the do's and don'ts of these systems besides the obvious warning on the case? Thanks for any help!

[NIAD]

Remove the 7 screws on the bottom of the Memory Console that fasten the two halves together as well as the four screws that fasten the front bezel to the M.C. Once you have the bezel and top off the system, you will have to remove the metal shielding on the top PCB (this is the CV Delta Board). The RF PCB is housed in a metal enclosure at the back of this CV Delta Board and it's similar to what is used on the ColecoVision. Check this PCB for any signs of solder problems and also check all the loose wires running to the three Video/Audio input connectors to insure that the insulation was stripped to far back and bare wire isn't touching another wire or something metal.

 

BTW, if all else fails, you can test further with a 5-Pin DIN Monitor cable like the ones made for the Vic-20, C=64 and TI99/4a and hookup to the Composite Video and Audio jacks on a TV. The ADAM DIN connector is actually 7-pins, but only 5 are used... you'll see when you open the system.

[simbalion]

Thanks for the advice! I pulled apart the dead unit first to learn my way around, then delved into the unit with the sound issues. Other than noticing some minor differences inside, I didn't notice any obvious issues. Looks like the top PCB at least uses mostly disk capacitors. I have found those to be pretty durable on other items I have tinked with. So.. I turned my attention to the RF PCB and noted the two adjustments. Luckily, I DO have some trimmer tools and had the correct one to try some fiddling with this. Only issue I had is the holes on the cover were drilled off-center to the adjustments, so I had to pull the cover off the RF PCB for inspection and adjusting. Well, looks like the issue was dust contamination inside those two little adjustment pots. I gave both a TINY spray of cleaner and the ADAM came around. Put it back together and it seems stable now, even though I might have the colors a wee bit bright now. I can live with that. Now, if only I could find one or two of those 5-Pin DIN monitor cables. I could use those for most of my vintage computers to bypass that cursed RF.

[Rey]

You can find them on eBay. Just search for the one NIAD posted above. I have two under watch to purchase.

[NIAD]

Glad to hear that it ended up being a lot simpler fix than having to desolder/solder any of the components on the PCBs and glad I could help bring another ADAM back to fully-functioning life.

 

The 5-Pin DIN Monitor Cable should only cost between $7-$15 plus shipping, but I've found a number of sellers that offered free shipping on these items in the past.

[simbalion]

My only issue is: Can't do eBay because I don't have Paypal.

Thanks again, NIAD. I am hoping this system stays stable now. Tomorrow will really tell if the weather lets me get out to the building I have my arcade games and the ADAM in. I though to the RF adjustments after remembering doing that to a couple 2600's a few years back that kept having issues. Fixed the, just fine, though I did snap off the tool I had at the time in the second 2600.

[Rey]

I'm not sure if this one is wired correctly since it has a 3rd rca plug. Are you able to purchase on AMAZON? Click here

Edited May 13, 2014 by rey_1178

[Rey]

I don't trust these to be wired correctly but in any case you can solder the cable to the correct pins.

Here's a couple more > click here and here

 

 

This one on eBay is the one I believe NIAD has used > click here

[Rey]

Here's a chart for the proper wiring :

 

 

[simbalion]

Thanks again. I will be looking into the ones on Amazon here soon. I finally found out I have all the manuals for my system and it has the diagrams and such for the DIN cable. It even says to use a five pin connector! I didn't realize I had all the manuals until I opened up the ADAM Logo binder and the other manuals came tumbling out.

[NIAD]

You can also use a 5-Pin DIN AUDIO ONLY CABLE for sound and then plug in a composite video cable into the "MONITOR" port on the back of the Memory Console and then to the TV or Monitor. I'm sure evryone would prefer a single cable solution, but if all else fails, this is another alternative.

 

BTW, of course, this pertains to the Stand-Alone ADAM Memory Console only.